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Cano ready to provide Dominican big boost

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TAMPA, Fla. -- The Dominican Republic's chances in the World Baseball Classic will lean heavily on Robinson Cano's potent bat, and the Yankees second baseman said he can't wait to play in the tournament.

"It's always good when you can go represent your team, when you're one of the main guys that can play for the team," Cano said.

Cano said that the Dominican squad will miss the contributions from sluggers like Albert Pujols and Jose Bautista, but he is hoping to contribute a few big hits to the attack for manager Tony Pena.

"You don't have Pujols, you don't have Bautista," Cano said. "Those type of guys you don't have on your team, but it's more about your country. For me, I love the Dominican, grew up in the Dominican. Why not go now and have a chance to represent my country? I have a chance to represent my country and do my best."

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is playing for Team USA, is the Bombers' only other Classic participant this spring.